Financial advisory consulting and services firm Development Specialists Inc. (DSI) has set a September 7 deadline for bids for the assets of defunct Aerion Corp. DSI was appointed to oversee the sale of the assets of Aerion, which ceased operations in June 2021 after a nearly two-decade quest to bring a supersonic business jet to market.
Through a court-appointed insolvency proceeding similar to that of bankruptcy, the sale is being conducted under Florida statutes instead of federal laws. Joseph Luzinski, senior managing director of DSI, is overseeing the bid process.
Proceeds from the sale are to go to debtors. While much of Aerion’s assets surround its numerous patents, there was also some property such as computers, software, and wind tunnel models. DSI late last year was fielding interest as it tried to grasp the value of the assets. “There are no valuations for these types of assets,” Luzinski had told AIN, saying the market will determine that.
Under a court-approved process, written offers from qualified bidders are due by September 7 at 4 p.m. EDT to DSI and the assignee’s counsel, Baker & Hostetler. An auction date has been set for September 16. “Our goal is to sell all of the assets as a package or sell them in lots to maximize the recovery for creditors,” said Luzinski.
Crew Chiefs announced its formation late last week as a new company composed of aviation maintenance professionals who will provide pre-buy and other inspections for sellers and buyers of business aircraft. The company is based at Million Air facilities at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York.
Founded by partners Chris Buchholz, Mark Thibault, and Warren Curry, Crew Chiefs uses a network of professionals and proprietary software to also oversee completions at an OEM prior to delivery; refurbishment of business aircraft, including heavy inspections; and provide asset condition and end-of-lease surveys for financial institutions. The company also can provide onboard techs to go with the aircraft following completion, pre-buy, or refurbishment to coordinate potential AOG and scheduled items.
“Crew Chiefs’ customized software for inspection oversight results in a more disciplined approach to ensure the inspections are performed correctly while enhancing transparency and improving productivity,” Buchholz said. “We are strongly positioned to lead our team of OEM-trained seasoned crew chiefs who are based around the world.”
The July 17 midair collision between a Cessna 172 and Piper PA-46 JetProp occurred as both aircraft were on short final for Runway 30R at North Las Vegas Airport (KVGT), according to a newly published NTSB preliminary report. Two people aboard each aircraft were killed in the accident.
Only the Cessna was cleared to Runway 30R, while the Piper had been cleared to Runway 30L, the NTSB said. Up to the moment of the collision, the Piper pilot had repeatedly acknowledged the clearance to land on 30L.
The Piper pilot contacted the tower and reported “descending out of 7,600 feet msl for landing on three zero left and Nellis [approach] said to cross midfield.” The tower controller responded, “Continue for three zero left.” The pilot reported, “Okay continue for runway three zero left…we will cross over midfield.” The Cessna pilot received clearance for a “short approach” and for the option to Runway 30R.
About 20 seconds after clearing the Piper to land, the tower controller transmitted, “I think I said it right, runway three zero left, runway three zero left.” The Piper pilot responded with “yeah affirmative runway three zero left that’s what I heard.” There were no further transmissions from either airplane before they collided about a quarter mile from the approach end of Runway 30R.
Italy-based Air Corporate has placed a firm order for a Bombardier Challenger 3500 and is set to become the first in Europe to offer the super-midsize jet for charter, the Montreal-headquartered business jet manufacturer announced today.
Introduced in September 2021, the Challenger 3500 is the latest in the Challenger 300/350 line but will include features such as an autothrottle and redesigned interior that leans on sustainable materials, cabin technologies such as voice controls, and addition of Nuage seats. Bombardier executives last week said initial deliveries are slated before the end of next month.
“The new Challenger 3500 is the perfect charter solution for Air Corporate and other flight departments, offering a truly seamless corporate travel experience,” said Ettore Rodaro, regional v-p of sales in Europe for Bombardier.
Air Corporate is one of the larger aircraft management firms in Italy, with eight locations in the country.
Universal Aviation has expanded its certified FBO network in Latin America with the addition of two new locations in Guatemala and Paraguay. Air Station at Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport has operated for two decades and its staff can process crew and passengers into and out of the airport in under 20 minutes for international flights. In Asuncion, Paraguay, Consorcio Aviation at Aeropuerto Internacional Silvio Pettirossi lists 30 years of experience handling all types of aircraft and missions.
The two locations have proven their compliance with Universal’s standards for ground-handling quality, training, safety, and customer service, as well as with regulations such as the Foreign and Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act. They will continue to do so through recurrent training and audits.
“Business aviation traffic to Latin America and the Caribbean continues to remain strong in most destinations, exceeding pre-pandemic levels,” said Universal Aviation senior v-p Adolfo Aragon. “However, the traffic influx combined with the global supply chain issues and staffing shortages presents new operating challenges.” To address this situation, Universal continues to identify and partner with successful local handlers. “Bringing these new members into our network reduces risk and eliminates handoffs, one of the causes of trip disruptions,” said Aragon.
These latest additions bring Universal's tally of certified member FBOs in Latin America and the Caribbean to 29.
Marsh Brothers Aviation is hoping to secure Transport Canada and U.S. FAA approvals later this year for a King Air flap roller upgrade kit that the Canadian company said incorporates an alternative self-lubricating, lightweight polymer bearing to prevent seizure and reduce metal-to-metal contact.
The kit was developed with Marsh Brothers Aviation’s AeroTough GF (grease-free) thermoplastic polymer bearing technology as an upgrade to greased flap rollers supplied by the original equipment manufacturer.
“The problem with the OEM flap roller is two-fold,” said Nicholas Choo-Son, director of new business development at Marsh Brothers Aviation. “First, they are a traditional sealed grease-packed needle roller bearing that relies on supplemental grease for lubrication. Once the grease begins to dry and degrade, the performance of the roller begins to deteriorate. Secondly, installation is relatively complicated involving the rollers.”
Compromised roller performance or improperly installed components result in an unscheduled maintenance event and expensive repairs, Choo-Son added. “To overcome this, our rollers were designed as a single rolling element bearing that contains AeroTough, our self-lubricating polymer that does not rely on supplemental lubrication to maintain its function. As a result, an AeroTough King Air flap roller bearing will never seize.”
He added that the kit already has begun to attract interest from operators in North America and Europe.
The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) has provided more details concerning delays in the activation of two new third-country EU traveler entry/exit programs by the European Commission. These programs were set to start this fall but now won't begin until next year.
The Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace the current system of manual stamping of passports with an electronic record, is scheduled to start a transitional phase in May 2023, EBAA said. Manual stamping of passports will end in mid-August 2023 and the transitional phase will end in February 2024. The association urged stakeholders to “be ready to go” by March 2023.
Meanwhile, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is expected to be implemented in November 2023. ETIAS is an online pre-travel and pre-boarding requirement applying to visa-exempt third-country nationals planning to travel to European states. Operators must be able to verify ETAIS authorization within 48 hours before scheduled departure.
According to EBAA, program authorities indicated that if the aircraft is owned by a private individual or organization and handled by a professional management company, or is a private charter, the flights must adhere to the programs' requirements. However, if the aircraft is owned by a private individual or organization, the crew is hired directly by the aircraft owner, and flights are not charter, the operation will not be required to use the new systems.
Aviation Safety Question of the Week
Provided by
Which of the following statements is correct regarding this METAR? KDFW 141753Z 17013G24KT 10SM FEW040 SCT100 SCT180 BKN250 28/20 A3002 RMK AO2 PK WND 13032/1708 LTG DSNT SE-SW SLP156 CBMAM DSNT SE-S CB TCU DSNT SE-SW-W MOV S T02830200 10356 20283 51007
A. There is lighting from cloud to cloud observed.
B. There is lightning observed more than 10 miles from the station.
C. There is lightning observed to SE-SW of the station.
For the first time, Connecticut’s Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC) is offering U.S. customs service following the opening of a new dedicated Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility.
The custom-built, 4,000-sq-ft facility was funded in partnership with Atlantic Aviation, the single service provider on the field, and the Connecticut Airport Authority. It is part of the Atlantic Aviation FBO’s new 40,000-sq-ft hangar, which was constructed over the past two years, and includes briefing rooms, holding areas, and closed interview capabilities. The CBP location is open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, with after-hours clearance available upon advance notice.
“This opening of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility marks a significant milestone in the continued growth of Waterbury-Oxford Airport,” said Kevin Dillon, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. “It opens the doors to more international travel and provides a seamless experience to those traveling for business or leisure purposes. We thank U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Atlantic Aviation for their partnership in making this enhancement a reality.”
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